Lone Holdout Nn Still Not Ready For Wetlands Board

NEWPORT NEWS — Being the only locality in Tidewater without a wetlands board isn't enough to persuade the city to create one just yet.

The City Council debated the merits Tuesday of forming a seven-member board of local residents to regulate development on environmentally sensitive land. A state agency now does that job.

But some council members appeared confused over just what the board would do, while others weren't sure they like the idea to begin with. So they decided to hold another meeting before making any plans.

"I do have reservations, and I would like to hear a fuller discussion," Vice Mayor Joe S. Frank said.

In 1972, the state required that wetlands with vegetation - valuable marsh areas that help stabilize the shoreline - be protected from development in localities along the coast. Newport News formed a local board to monitor such areas.

In 1982, the state expanded regulations to include non-vegetated wetlands - namely beaches and mud flats. City officials thought that would increase the demand and cost of monitoring wetlands locally, and the council disbanded the board. The duties then were turned over to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

But while the other localities in Hampton Roads have formed or reformed their boards, New port News has taken no action. City Manager Edgar E. Maroney has recommended establishment of a new board.

Jay Lipscomb, an engineer with the VMRC, told council members Tuesday that local residents are the best protectors of their own wetlands.

"We believe this is something the municipality should control," he said. Lipscomb said the Virginia Institute of Marine Science serves as the technical adviser to local wetlands boards.

Council members said they would hold a work session on the topic in a week or two.

In other business, the council agreed to give Ferguson High School $1,000 toward an all-night after-prom party this spring.

Students asked for the donation to help finance the party, which is designed to give students a place to gather after the dance and cut down on the chances of drinking and driving.

The council gave a similar donation to Menchville High School last year. "I think we have some precedent for doing this," Councilman Donald N. Patten said in approving the request.